Late Steely Dan co-founder Walter Becker will be posthumously honored this fall with a street-naming ceremony in New York City.
An October 28 event in the Forest Hills section of Queens will see the corner of 112th Street and 72nd Drive co-named “Walter Becker Way” during a street sign unveiling for the late rocker, who passed away last fall from esophageal cancer at the age of 67.
Presented by New York’s Classic Rock Q104.3, the fall event will include special guests, remembrances from Becker’s friends and colleagues, as well as on site giveaways.
“Walter’s fans have decades of experience holding ‘Danfests’ throughout the country,” says Becker’s widow, Delia, “and they always find innovative and eclectic ways of celebrating. It will undoubtedly be a fun and free gathering to honor and commemorate Walter as only they can!”
The New York City Council bestows street co-naming honors on New York activists, cultural heroes, and community leaders whose contribution has a lasting impact on the city, the country, and the world.
The motion to co-name “Walter Becker Way” was put forward by New York City Council Member Karen Koslowitz of the 29th District (Forest Hills) by way of a legislative bill, which was approved by a full council vote on June 28.
Details and updates on the October ceremony will be shared via walterbeckerway.com
Becker and Donald Fagen first crossed paths at New York’s Bard College in 1967; they spent their first few years together as local performers and songwriters in the city before touring as members of Jay And The Americans' backing band.
The pair eventually formed Steely Dan in 1972, going on to release a series of successful albums throughout the decade after retiring from live performances in 1974. After disbanding in 1981, Becker and Fagen enjoyed solo careers before reuniting for a concert tour in 1995.
With more than 40 million albums sold worldwide, Steely Dan were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.
Since Becker’s passing, Fagen is carrying on the Steely Dan name; the group are currently winding down dates on a North American tour with The Doobie Brothers.
See also:
Steely Dan ownership lawsuit update
Steely Dan and Doobie Brothers announce North American tour
Steely Dan legal battle heats up
Steely Dan: Donald Fagen sues Walter Becker’s estate
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